Pro: U+2 never should have happened in Fort Collins

I moved to Fort Collins with two roommates in July 2007 and moved into a two-bedroom apartment. I could not believe how little space we had compared to the cost of rent. In terms of price per square foot, which was $1.19, rent was significantly higher in Fort Collins than when we lived together in Orlando. We shared a house, and before that a condo with other friends. Both were within 15-20 minutes of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and Orlando International Airport. The price per square foot there was 30 cents for the house and 64 cents for the condo. I would never have believed it would be more expensive to rent in a college town in Colorado than in a major tourist city in Florida.

It did not take me long to discover the primary culprit. It was "the three unrelated," also known as the "U+2"ordinance. I understand why some like it and want to keep it, but I cannot see any way to logically argue for it in a good conscience. It has to go.

The easiest argument against it goes to the intent of the ordinance: discrimination. If you don't believe that, I challenge you to defend it without saying anything negative about students. You can't, even if your primary argument is property value. Let's face it, if a solid majority of homeowners did not care if a college student, or four, lived next door or down the street, this ordinance would not exist. Simply put, it is intended to keep college students out of family neighborhoods. I understand why this is desirable. Many college students are representative of the stereotypes, such as hosting loud parties, driving fast down neighborhood streets and showing a general lack of courtesy for others. Even if those stereotypes are true about most students, which they are not, it is morally wrong to treat any group as second-class citizens.

Plus, the students were here first. CSU was established as a Land Grant College in 1870, whereas Fort Collins was incorporated in 1873. Also, what about the bigger picture?

By restricting occupancy, we have, by act of government, increased demand and decreased supply when it comes to rental properties. The most basic understanding of economics says if supply goes down and demand goes up, then price goes up. To deny this is to reject logic and reasoning. This law has helped to create out-of-control housing costs in Fort Collins. At the same time, median household income in Fort Collins is on the decline. The fastest-growing job sector in Fort Collins is the service industry. We are creating a very dangerous situation. Our consumers are seeing their disposable income shrink or even vanish entirely just to pay rent. No economy can survive without consumers.

Repealing the U+2 ordinance might not bring down rental prices, but it should stop the bleeding and provide much-needed relief to many Fort Collins residents. It would also end discrimination and possibly foster a better relationship with the university. If the city treats students with more dignity, perhaps the students will show their neighbors more respect.

Gabe Fowler is a Fort Collins resident.

THE ISSUE

A lack of affordable housing in Fort Collins has prompted some people to question the wisdom of the city's ordinance

prohibiting more than three unrelated adults from living together in a home.

WHY IT MATTERS: The cost of renting or owning a home in Fort Collins is outpacing wage growth, and many people either can't afford a home or wind up paying more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Some residents believe the city should repeal the current ordinance so more people can share costs, lowering the burden. But others say the recent enforcement of the ordinance has improved the quality of life in their neighborhoods.